The ground of wise effort is our sincere intentionality toward presence, love and freedom. Yet our habit is to go into trance, and latch on to narrowed intentions of self-enhancement or defense. When this goes on for years, we feel disappointment in our lives, a sense of not being true to ourselves. Through guided reflections, we explore how--in spiritual practice and in relationships--we can connect with our deepest intention and live in a way that expresses our awakening heart and awareness.

After an analysis of the roots of suffering based on the teachings of Dependent Arising, we explore two aspects of the path of awakening. The first aspect is about gradual awakening; the second is about immediate awakening in awareness, first momentary, then gradually stabilized.

Cultivation of morality (in the ten permutations called Perfections (Paramitas) is presented as the path to rather than simply a preparation for meditation. Stories illustrate how the practice of each paramita leads to insight.

How can the teachings be applied in daily life? The Eightfold Path provides an easily applied guide to bringing the dharma alive. This talk emphasizes the ethical application of the Path and how it impacts our lives in many ways.